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Rigid laws hurt harmonisation of ICT policies in East Africa

Saturday April 16 2016
EAMOBILEPHONEa

There are calls for common Simcard registration regime across East Africa. Differences in regulatory frameworks among East African countries has constrained the harmonisation of policies governing ICT. PHOTO | FILE

Differences in regulatory frameworks among East African countries has constrained the harmonisation of policies governing ICT across the trade bloc, says a new report.

Rigorous processes in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania are limiting the initiative, which is geared towards protection of infrastructure and seamless communication across the region.

The East Africa Communications Organisation (EACO) report says that “regulatory bodies in Kenya and Uganda have independence in decision making,” a move that the rest of the countries ought to emulate.

Decisions by Burundi’s communications regulator are subject to approval by the Office of the President. Rwanda’s regulator, on the other hand, answers to the prime minister. Decisions by the regulator could be cancelled on grounds of threat to security of Rwanda or a foreign country.

Tanzania communications regulator is answerable to the minister responsible for communications who ensures rules are in compliance with the codes of conduct.

EACO has, therefore, recommended that “member states should guarantee the separation of functions relating to policymaking, regulation and service provision. The law must clearly define the responsibilities for each player in the sector,” for seamless harmonisation.

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The framework should ensure that the bloc has a common simcard registration system. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) said this approach was necessary following a rise in crimes perpetrated through mobile devices.

According to CA director-general Francis Wangusi, ID cards of individuals across the bloc will be linked to simcards of mobile users as is the case in Kenya.

EACO proposes the appointment of national regulatory authorities in the countries with constraint rules. It also proposes sufficient power, independence and authority to the appointed officials to ensure transparency in harmonising regional policies.